News & Updates from Federation

What Our Community is Asking For

Friday, May 1

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Federation reflects on community feedback from a recent listening tour, highlighting a strong desire for more accessible and affordable Jewish life, while advancing solutions like a new tax credit scholarship program to expand Jewish education and engagement.

Supporting Israel’s Recovery and Resilience

Wednesday, April 29

Responding in real time, Federation partners with The Jewish Agency for Israel to deliver urgent support, strengthen communities, and mobilize global Jewish solidarity amid crisis and recovery.

Expanding Access to Jewish Education

Tuesday, April 28

A new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit launching in 2027 could reshape how families access Jewish day school education, expanding scholarship funding and strengthening long-term sustainability through coordinated regional efforts.

Through Our Eyes: Jewish Teens Turn Identity into Art

Wednesday, April 22

Through Through Our Eyes, local Jewish teens transform grief, pride, and resilience into powerful artistic expression—offering a deeply personal look at identity, belonging, and what it means to be Jewish today.

Building Jewish Leadership in Northern Virginia

Wednesday, April 22

Federation’s Northern Virginia Leadership Cohort brings together diverse leaders to build skills, strengthen relationships, and move from parallel work to a shared vision for a thriving and connected Jewish future.

What We’re Hearing Across the Community and What It Means

Wednesday, April 22

Nearly 1,500 voices reveal a shared desire to connect, participate, and belong—offering a clearer picture of how people are finding their way into Jewish life and how Federation is working to make that journey easier.

A Moment to Reimagine What’s Next

Friday, April 17

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

In a time shaped by crisis, our community is reclaiming agency—balancing resilience with a renewed commitment to building Jewish identity, connection, and a strong future.

Rabbi Aderet Drucker Named Recipient of 2026 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award

Wednesday, April 15

Rabbi Aderet Drucker named recipient of the 2026 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award, honoring her leadership in building intentional Jewish community and fostering belonging for adults in their 20s–40s across Greater Washington.

Fostering a Culture of Security

Tuesday, April 14

As antisemitism rises, Federation’s JShield launches the Shield Program—free, role-specific security trainings designed to empower individuals and strengthen community-wide preparedness across Greater Washington.

Bringing Israel to Life “Hands-On”

Tuesday, April 14

Federation’s Hands-on Israel workshops bring Israeli culture, leadership, and identity to life through interactive programs led by shlichim, creating meaningful connections and conversations for learners of all ages.

Honoring Survivors, Every Day

Tuesday, April 14

After fleeing Belarus during World War II, Sonia rebuilt her life, endured antisemitism, and emigrated to the U.S.—now, with Federation and JSSA support, she receives vital care, connection, and dignity in her later years.

Turning Interest Into Engagement

Friday, April 10

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Turning interest into engagement by expanding access to Shabbat dinners, a powerful entry point for connection among young Jewish adults seeking meaningful, low-barrier experiences.

The Legacy of Eddie Kaplan

Tuesday, April 7

Eddie’s decades of leadership at Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation helped strengthen institutions, support community investments, and shape a thriving Greater Washington Jewish community rooted in care, vision, and lasting impact.

Reconsidering the “Wicked” Child

Tuesday, March 31

Elisa Deener-Agus, Chief of Staff, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

As Passover approaches, reflecting on the “wicked” child as a skeptic reveals the beauty of questioning—inviting challenge, broadening belonging, and strengthening a diverse Jewish community gathered around one shared table.

Holding Hope in a Time of War

Tuesday, March 31

As sirens sound across Israel, Inbal shares the emotional reality of supporting her community abroad while her family faces war at home, reflecting resilience, connection, and hope in the face of crisis.

Finding Comfort in Passover Traditions

Friday, March 27

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Amid global volatility, the familiar rhythms of the Passover Seder—family recipes, shared stories, and enduring traditions—offer comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose rooted in Jewish identity and peoplehood.

Support When it Matters

Wednesday, March 25

After a direct Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh, Federation mobilized quickly—transforming the Zinman Community Center into a Family Support Hub providing emergency relief, psychological support, and moments of joy for impacted residents.

Community Security in Action

Tuesday, March 24

Through JShield, Federation strengthens community security—bringing together law enforcement, experts, and Jewish institutions at the Security Summit to coordinate response, share real-time information, and prepare for rising antisemitic threats.